As described in my blog entry February 3rd, I am referring, on a weekly basis, to each of the SDGs: facts, targets, and how could companies be engaged. This week is about SDG#4 -Quality Education
Facts:
Enrolment in primary education in developing countries has reached 91 per cent but 57 million primary age children remain out of school.
More than half of children that have not enrolled in school live in sub-Saharan Africa.
An estimated 50 per cent of out-of-school children of primary school age live in conflict-affected areas.
617 million youth worldwide lack basic mathematics and literacy skills.
Targets: There are 10 targets. Targets and the indicators to track progress can be found here https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/education/
Companies engagement: Out of the 10 targets, two seem to be actionable for the businesses in the context of their investment decisions:
SDG 4.3: "By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical,vocational and tertiary education, including university."
SDG 4.A: Build and upgrade education facilities that are child,disability and gender sensitive and provide safe,non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all.
According to a recent Morgan Stanley report, a combination of technology and education-focused companies whose products and services are helping to expand access to education and learnings, certainly may intervene with relevant and investments. A number of global Telecom companies whose infrastructure and network development facilitate greater connectivity and greater learning opportunities in schools.
